Mariah Carey Dazzles, Vittoria Ceretti Honors Giorgio Armani: Highlights From Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

The 2026 Winter Olympics opened February 6 with a vibrant ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan, celebrating Italy’s heritage alongside musical performances and fashion tributes. Mariah Carey’s rendition of an Italian classic, a stylish tribute to fashion giant Giorgio Armani, and a harmonious celebration between Italian fashion and culture were among the highlights of the ceremony, which was aptly themed “Armonia” or “Harmony”.

A standout musical moment came from Carey, who delivered a bilingual set that blended the Italian classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)” with her own “Nothing Is Impossible.” She performed in Italian to cheers from the crowd, reinforcing an energetic start to the Games.

The ceremony wove Italy’s artistic and cultural threads into its production. Large, foam-headed figures of opera composers Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini appeared onstage, and dancers brought to life classical themes and national symbols. A runway moment featured models dressed in green, white and red Armani suits in tribute to the late fashion designer Armani, who had deep ties to Italian sport and style; many performers and flag bearers wore ensembles that referenced his designs.

Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti had a featured role representing fashion and national pride. She carried the Italian flag at San Siro in a custom, floor-length Armani Privé gown with a high neckline, later handing it to the Corazzieri honor guard during the flag presentation. Her appearance, viewed by international audiences, blended athletic ceremony with runway poise.

Other performances honored local and global music traditions. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Grammy-winning singer Laura Pausini contributed musical segments, while visuals throughout the ceremony referenced Italy’s artistic legacy from Cupid and Psyche to iconic architecture and cuisine, creating a tapestry of cultural expression that extended beyond sport.

The parade of nations followed the artistic program, with nearly 90 national teams processing into the stadium under the evening sky, and dual Olympic cauldrons to be lit in Milan and Cortina in later proceedings.

With a blend of spectacle, music and fashion pageantry, the Winter Olympics opening ceremony set the stage for the 16-day competition across Italy’s alpine and urban venues.